/socialketchup/media/agency_attachments/2025/01/15/2025-01-15t065936648z-magazine-logo-black.png){kind=logo}
/socialketchup/media/media_files/2025/04/16/kpYUlTOGQgq1vRvrLqye.png)
/socialketchup/media/member_avatars/euOyGhAp1xfLYR7l2Juj.jpeg )
Follow Us/socialketchup/media/media_files/2025/04/10/YOPbBk3GYrL3IYjg0zg5.jpg)
Sushmita V, better known as Sush_Korea, is living proof that it’s never too late to hit reset and chase your wildest dreams. In a fun and honest chat, she spills the tea on what life’s really like after starting fresh in Korea!
In a world where dreams are often shelved for stability, an aspiring girl from Kerala dared to rewrite her script and swap her well paying IT job in India for the fast-paced yet beautiful culture of Seoul. Meet Sush_Korea, a budding content creator who’s building a community of her own through social media with her wholesome vlogs and Reels about K-culture, and unfiltered glimpses into her new life in South Korea. Fueled by her love for K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean culture, she’s turned her fascination into a full-time journey, documenting everything from street food adventures, cherry blossom strolls, cultural shocks, cozy café hunts, and of course just the joy of being a BTS army in their home country. With every Reel, she brings a piece of Korea to India and vice versa, inspiring many to chase their own version of happiness and the fact that there’s no particular time slot to chase your dreams!
I remember the first time I saw her in Korean class, both of us connected because we had similar interests. We watched the same K-dramas and of course the biggest point of commonality being that we were huge fans of BTS. On a random weekday when the two of us were chatting on social media, she once just happened to mention how she is done and dusted with her corporate job and wants to break free and try something new. Little did I know that wasn’t just a mere thought! It was step 1 of a larger plan she had in mind. And today, I am not the least bit surprised when her Reels hit millions of views and she’s making a name for herself in the gigantic field of the Hallyu wave.
Here’s what she had to share about how it all began and her journey so far!
When did your obsession with K-dramas and K-pop really begin, and how has it positively influenced your life?
My journey with K-dramas began back in 2013 when I watched ‘Playful Kiss’ for the first time. I was in the hostel with my friends, and we all gathered around to watch it together. It was such a fun and unforgettable experience. Over the next year, I watched a couple more dramas, but as work life took over, I drifted away from K-dramas entirely. Fast forward to 2021, during the pandemic, my niece and her friends introduced me to BTS. Out of curiosity, I started watching their variety show 'Run BTS’ episodes and listening to their music, and before I knew it, I was completely hooked on to K-pop. I think it was the love and admiration for the artists that sparked my interest in the Korean language eventually as well.
At the time, my IT job had become quite monotonous, and I was craving something more fulfilling. Learning Korean started off as a hobby, but it quickly became a passion that brought me genuine happiness. For the first time in a long time, I was learning something with full dedication. That joy and newfound confidence eventually gave me the courage to quit my job and start a new chapter in life, and I haven’t looked back since.
Leaving your IT job in India and settling in a completely different country is a huge step to take. What made you completely change your career path?
You might find it surprising, but becoming a software engineer was actually my dream growing up. I genuinely enjoyed my job, the independence it offered, the stability, and all the benefits that came with it. But after a few years of working in the field, I started to feel a disconnect. I realized that while I was good at what I did, it wasn’t something I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. I even remember telling my boss once that someday I’d leave and pursue music, a childhood dream that I never really let go of. I had always wanted to become a singer, but due to financial constraints, formal training was never an option back then. I did try learning violin and took a few vocal lessons later on, but for various reasons, nothing really stuck.
At the same time, my family relied on me financially, so quitting my job was never on the table. However, the pandemic changed a lot of things. I switched to a new company with a better salary, and that gave me the chance to start saving. When the idea of moving to Korea began taking shape in my mind, I made a two-year plan and stuck to it. I’ve always had a strong desire to do something creative and when I discovered my passion for the Korean language and culture, I believed that this newly found interest might lead me to something bigger. It reignited that dream in me. That belief, and the excitement of chasing a more creative life, is what pushed me to finally take the leap and here I am today!
What inspired you to start creating content about your life in Korea?
Even before my whole ‘K-Dream’ began, I had already started a YouTube channel to share travel vlogs. So in a way, content creation was something I was naturally drawn to. Watching other travel creators really sparked that interest in me. But due to the pandemic, I couldn’t travel much, so I didn’t end up posting regularly. Then, when I finally made the decision to move to Korea, I thought, why not document this journey? Sharing my experiences in Korea felt like something fresh and exciting, both for me and for people who were curious about life here. That’s how it all began. Maybe it's TMI but I think I secretly enjoy the little bit of fame that comes with it too!
You make your content in Malayalam, which is quite rare and a unique niche to have in this space; what motivated that choice?
Most Indian content creators focus on Hindi, which reaches a large audience, but there aren’t many Malayalam creators in this space. I wanted to build a community I could genuinely connect with, and I believe there’s no better way to connect with people than through your mother tongue. Speaking in Malayalam feels authentic, it’s who I am. And honestly, I want to be that Malayali content creator everyone talks about, who represents our culture proudly on a global platform.
What does a day in your life look like in Korea?
There’s no fixed routine for me, apart from my Korean classes and part-time jobs. Every day looks a little different, but that’s what I love about it. Most of the time, I’m busy with content creation, either brainstorming ideas or running around to bring them to life. Korea has so much to offer for content creators, from beautiful locations to unique experiences! Even the weather plays a big role in shaping my day. If it’s too cold, I usually stay indoors, plan future content, or shoot something at home. But if the weather’s nice, especially now during spring, I’m out almost every day soaking in the beauty of the season. Spring here is short but incredibly pretty, and I try not to miss a single moment of it.
Has your perspective towards K-dramas changed ever since you started living alone in Korea?
Not really. I never expected real life in Korea to be just like the dramas, so I came without any fancy expectations in the first place. But living here did surprise me in some ways. People really mind their own business and keep to themselves, especially in public spaces like subways or buses.That said, one thing that feels just like the dramas are the couples here, they’re super lovey-dovey, and honestly, it’s really cute to see! Probably living here has shown me a quieter, more realistic side of life that dramas don’t always capture.
Do you think your content is helping bridge cultural gaps between India and Korea?
Definitely, yes. Whenever I create content about Korea, I try to be as honest as possible and give a real-life perspective, so my audience can truly understand what it’s like to live here. If you look at my YouTube channel, I’ve shared not just the beautiful and exciting parts, but also the realities and challenges I’ve personally faced. I know I’m not just making videos, I’m influencing and guiding a whole generation of young people who are curious about Korea. I’ve received so many messages from people thanking me for being real and saying that my content helped them decide whether or not to pursue their own Korea journey. I’m still a budding content creator, but even at this stage, I can see that my efforts are sparking curiosity, respect, and a better understanding between two cultures. And that’s something I’m really proud of!
What are some similarities and differences you have seen between both cultures?
Respect for elders is something that both cultures have in common. Be it parents, grandparents or elders in society in general. Both countries have a family oriented mindset. Even though the younger generation chooses to stay independently today, both cultures still emphasize the importance of family bonds and responsibilities. Then of course there’s the educational pressure. Just like in India, Koreans too place high value on academic and career achievements even if it causes immense pressure on young adults. Both cultures also have their own traditional festivals. Like India has Onam, Diwali and more, Korea has Chuseok and Seollal where, just like us, they also wear their own traditional outfits called a hanbok.
Coming to the differences, I would say that Koreans tend to mind their own business in public whereas in India, we see public places hustling and bustling with people constantly talking to one another. Having said that, Korean couples are rather affectionate in public and that’s completely normal there, whereas in India, it’s still considered to be a bold move. Lastly, when it comes to gender roles and fashion, Korea definitely seems more open when it comes to experimenting in this area as even men wear makeup and accessories there. In India, gender roles and fashion expectations are still conservative in a lot of parts of the country.
Walk us through your process of creating a Reel—from idea to post.
My ideas often come randomly, sometimes while watching other Reels or just from everyday moments. I make sure to note down everything that catches my eye, whether it’s a nice shot, a font, or a caption style. When it comes to filming, it’s usually a mix of planning and going with the flow. Once I have the footage, I start trimming out unnecessary clips and keep the parts that feel right. Since most of my Reels are voice-over vlogs, I then write a script. I re-read it multiple times, fine-tuning the words until it feels natural and engaging. That step is really important to me because it can make or break the whole thing. After that, I record the voiceover and edit the video to match the flow. Choosing the background music is always the trickiest part as it sets the whole vibe. If it’s not a vlog, I usually find the music first and then build the edit around that. It’s a process that takes time but I genuinely enjoy every part of it.
What has been your biggest challenge as a content creator living abroad?
Honestly, the hardest part is managing everything together. Social media still doesn’t pay me much, so I work part-time jobs to support myself. Along with that, I have Korean language classes and my content to take care of. People might think it’s easy, but even creating a 1-minute Reel takes a lot of time and effort. From planning and filming to editing and final touches, it’s a rather long process. Keeping up with everything consistently does get exhausting sometimes but I try to keep going because I genuinely love doing this.
Any dream collaborations, either with a K-pop idol or another creator?
I haven’t had the chance to collaborate with a K-pop idol or a big creator yet but I will hopefully soon! That said, I recently received a PR package from one of the top skincare brands, and it honestly felt like a dream. I had just started beauty content, so it was a huge surprise. I was also invited as a VIP guest to a fashion show, which was another big moment for me. These experiences made me believe that bigger collaborations might not be too far away.
What do you hope your followers take away from your content?
I want my followers to see that Korea isn’t a fairytale, it’s your hard work and effort that shape your experiences here. Just like anywhere else, there are both good and challenging sides. Through my content, I try to show Korea as it really is, nothing more, nothing less. I also hope they realize that stepping out of your comfort zone can truly transform your life. I’ve learned that the biggest growth happens when you take that leap. Korea offers incredible opportunities, and if you’re willing to put in the effort, it can be a life-changing experience for you as well!
Where do you see your content evolving in the next few years?
People often say numbers don’t matter, but as a content creator, they do. So yes, I’m aiming to grow immensely in the near future. I also dream of collaborating with my favorite idols and actors, especially BTS! I know it’s a huge dream, but I’m a little extra positive like that! I truly believe that when you start believing in yourself and take action, life has a way of surprising you in the best ways!
For more conversations, follow us on @socialketchup